Paintsville, KY – September 5, 2025 – On Wednesday, September 3rd, Johnson County Schools marked a historic milestone with the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new Johnson Central High School and Career & Technical Center.
It was a picture-perfect day, with the sun shining brightly across the new site as the JCHS Honor Choir filled the air with music, including a moving rendition of My Old Kentucky Home. Guests began arriving at 9:00 AM, enjoying refreshments and music before the ceremony began.
At 9:30 AM, Senior Board Representative Kyleigh Sparks welcomed the crowd, followed by the choir’s performances of the National Anthem and My Old Kentucky Home. Principal Monica Daniel delivered opening remarks, and Junior Board Representative Tessa Amburgey shared the invocation.
The ceremony featured remarks from student representatives Parker Estep, Addison Hicks, and Waylon Taulbee, as well as community and state leaders:
Bob Hutchison, JCBOE Board Chair
Representative Bobby McCool
Senator Phillip Wheeler
KY House Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade
KY Senate President Robert Stivers
Superintendent Cochran concluded with closing remarks before leading the official Groundbreaking Act, symbolizing the beginning of construction on the state-of-the-art facility.
The event closed with the Johnson Central Marching Band performing the school’s Fight Song and Pep Song, creating a spirited ending to the day’s celebration.
Photos of this landmark event are courtesy of Codell Construction Company and Golden Eagle Broadcasting. Johnson County Schools extends sincere thanks to all those who helped make this day possible. Johnson County Schools is proud to celebrate this important step in shaping the future for our students and community.
